Reality shows: Making big bucks!

By Hindustan Times

MUMBAI, Oct. 25 -- Reality shows are a cool way of making a quick buck and getting instant fame. This year, Bigg Boss might have turned family-oriented, but contestants are laughing their way to the bank.

R1- 2 lakh a week, claim industry sources. In addition, there are many others who also make a deal over a lump sum amount before going into the house. For every week that a celebrity stays in the house, they get a certain raise as well. Industry sources claim that after last year's scare, when Akashdeep Saigal aka Sky Walker, threatened to walk out, the channel and production house have become more cautious. They have additional clauses in their contract which state that if a contestant wants to leave the show, she or he will have to pay the channel in amounts running into crores. This is insurance against participants who might form a group and decide to walk out, which would be disastrous for the show. When contacted, the channel spokesperson replied, "We do not reveal payment details of the celebrities."